Jonna Olsson and Colleagues Secure Gender Equality Funding for New Project
Enhance Research Exchange is one of four projects awarded funding through NHH’s 2025 gender equality initiative. The project is a collaboration between Aline Bütikofer, Jonna Olsson, and Tove Forsbacka, from The Department of Economics, and aims to strengthen academic networks for women through targeted research visits. As one of the project leads, Jonna Olsson is particularly involved in the macroeconomics component, where she helps shape the academic content and outreach of the initiative.
As part of its ongoing commitment to gender equality in academic positions, NHH has awarded NOK 300,000 to support four departmental initiatives in 2025. Among the recipients is Enhance Research Exchange, a project designed to foster stronger academic networks for women through international collaboration and mentorship.
The initiative is grounded in research showing that access to strong professional networks is essential for improving gender balance in permanent academic roles. Studies such as Sarsons (2017) highlight how collaboration and visibility can significantly influence career progression, particularly for women in academia.
Through Enhance Research Exchange, three outstanding female researchers will be invited to NHH for extended visits. These stays are designed to go beyond traditional conference participation, allowing for deeper collaboration with early-career female scholars at the institution. The visiting researchers will engage in focused academic exchange, provide feedback on ongoing projects, and contribute to the research environments they are hosted by.
The project involves participation from the Department of Economics’ Micro and Macro research groups, as well as FAIR, with each hosting one guest researcher. Jonna Olsson, who is affiliated with the macroeconomics group, is responsible for coordinating this part of the initiative. The macro group’s invited guest will work closely with NHH researchers, offering insights and mentorship to junior scholars working in macroeconomics. This collaboration is expected to strengthen both individual research development and the group’s broader academic output.
In addition to the research-focused visits, the project includes a mentoring lunch open to all women at the department. This event will serve as a platform for cross-group dialogue, experience sharing, and community building.
By creating space for meaningful academic interaction and mentorship, Enhance Research Exchange supports NHH’s broader goal of structural and cultural change. The initiative not only empowers individual researchers but also contributes to a more connected and equitable academic community.